Admissions

Admission Requirements

For matriculated status, the items needed are a completed application form; high school and, if applicable, collegiate transcripts (credits are transferable only at the discretion of the receiving institution); scores from the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) of the College Entrance Examination (degree status only); at least two letters of recommendation from an art teacher, counselor, employer, or working artist who can evaluate the applicant’s character and artistic abilities; and a $25 application fee. Applicants are to submit written proof of immunization against measles and rubella. Applicants who graduated from a Connecticut high school in 1999 or later do NOT need to submit proof of immunization. See specific guidelines listed in the Measles/Mumps/Rubella/Varicella Immunization Record Request form in the back of the Catalog or download a form. For non-matriculated status, only an application, a high school transcript, and a $10 application fee are required.

Procedures

Application forms are included in the College catalog. In addition, the application form may be obtained by either calling, writing, or emailing the Admission’s Office. Or you may download a PDF form from our website. A $25 non-refundable application fee must accompany the completed application form. A $10 non-refundable application form may be obtained in the same manner; however, a non-matriculated application form is not included in the catalog. A decision on acceptance will follow receipt of all the necessary paperwork, and completion of the portfolio review. A deposit of $300 towards tuition is due within two weeks of receipt of the letter of acceptance.

The Interview

All applicants and their families are encouraged to tour the College during class hours so that the process of instruction may be observed. Appointments for a tour and interview must be made and confirmed through the Admissions Office. During the portfolio interview, the applicant should be prepared to talk about art interests, accomplishments, and goals. These elements make the applicant a unique, and a more understandable, candidate. This interview is a time when the College and the applicant learn more about each other, so that proper choices may be made. The interview also provides further opportunity for discussion of the offerings and activities of the College, as well as visual arts career information.

The Portfolio

Presented during the interview, the portfolio is a vital part of the admissions process. It should show the applicant’s best and most representative works. The portfolio should include examples of original, interpretative, and representational artwork in a variety of media. All large or three-dimensional works should be presented in photographs, slides, CDs/DVDs, or web links. Pieces will be studied for their reflection of skill, creativity, and potential for professional growth.

Transfer Students

Paier College of Art will consider as transfer applicants those students who have been enrolled in a program of credit courses at another accredited college or university. These applicants must have a quality-point average of at least 2.00 and will be given transfer credit for appropriate course work in accordance with the College’s policies. The transfer applicant must meet all of the other standard admissions requirements. Transfer students also need to submit an official high school transcript. In order to be graduated from Paier, a transfer student must complete at least 65 semester hours of study in the bachelor’s degree program, or 32 semester hours in the associate degree program.

The criteria for the award of transfer credit are as follows:

The course work must have been completed in another accredited college or university;

The course offered in transfer for a required course at Paier must have at least a grade of C and must be at least 75% similar in content and in semester hours to its Paier equivalent;

Transfer credit will be awarded for advanced courses only if prerequisite courses have been credited;

Transfer credit for academic electives shall be made in the following disciplines: art history, humanities, mathematics, physical science, and social science;

Transfer credit for art electives shall be limited to art courses available at Paier, or related to the program in which the transfer student seeks matriculation. Proposed transfer credit will be listed on an appropriate form from Paier College and sent to the student for review. If adjustments are desired, it is the responsibility of the student to advise the Admissions Office and to provide any additional documentation necessary to support the desired adjustment in transfer credit.

Program Matriculation

Students may be enrolled in only one program of the College at a time. Certificate study, for example, may precede or follow degree study, but cannot be taken simultaneously with degree study. Students entering a second program will receive credit for required courses taken in prior study and must pay a $15 application fee.

Non-Matriculated Students

Students uncertain about career goals, or seeking limited study to realize personal needs, may be admitted to the College without enrollment in a program. The regular admissions procedure must be followed to determine whether such study will be appropriate. Advice from the faculty and staff on course work will be available as needed, and students will receive transcripts of grades at the end of each semester for completed course work. In the studio classes, matriculated students have preference over non-matriculated students, in the event that class size has reached maximum enrollment.

Part-Time Matriculated Students

Paier College of Art, Incorporated will admit students to its programs on a part-time basis, if appropriate, to the students’ available time for study. Admissions requirements and procedures are the same as for full-time applicants for matriculation.

Academic Policy Responsibility

Students are responsible for being aware of, and abiding by, all academic policies of the College indicated in this Catalog. Academic requirements govern the curricula and courses of the College and may be specified also in the course outlines distributed to students by instructors at the outset of each course. Faculty advisors, the Division Directors, and the Dean are available to aid students in interpreting and meeting these requirements, but the student is responsible for fulfilling them. At the end of a student’s program of study, a review is made to determine that all College academic requirements have been met. If they have not been satisfied, the certificate, diploma, or degree will be withheld pending proper completion of the requirements.

Degree Students

Degree students are those, either full-time or part-time, who have been admitted (matriculated) into a program of study leading to an Associate of Fine Arts or Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.

Non-Degree Students

Non-degree students are those, either full-time or part-time, who have been admitted to a certificate or diploma program, or who have enrolled in courses without following a prescribed program of study. Should a non-matriculated student decide to enter a program, the procedures described for admission must be completed.

Full-Time Students

Full-time students are those who carry 12–19 semester hours of study per semester.

Half-Time Students

Half-time students are those who carry 6–11 semester hours of study per semester.

Advanced Placement and CLEP Testing

Paier College of Art, Incorporated will consider for credit and/or advanced placement the results of AP and/or CLEP testing. Credit and/or advanced placement will be determined by the office of the Dean of the College for academic courses. Scores should be sent directly to Paier College of Art, Incorporated, at the time of testing.

About Us

Paier College Of Art Takes Pride In Over Sixty Years Of Training And Educating Artists. As an institution preparing students for professional careers in art, Paier College of Art is committed to a program of learning and services that provides intensive practice in art skills and practices.